First Look: Hevi-Metal Xtreme Waterfowl Loads

by
posted on August 8, 2023
** When you buy products through the links on our site, we may earn a commission that supports NRA's mission to protect, preserve and defend the Second Amendment. **
MAIN Hevi Metal Xtreme

Hevi-Shot has launched a new product line for waterfowl hunting: the all-new Hevi-Metal Xtreme. These loads feature a layer of Hevi-Shot’s original 12 g/cc Hevi-XII tungsten pellets (30 percent) stacked over steel pellets (70 percent) in the same shell. The new loads also feature the Flitecontrol Flex wad for consistent long-range patterns with high velocities. These new loads are available in four total options, in both 12- and 20-gauge.

“For 2023, Hevi-Metal Xtreme is our new product that I am most enthusiastic about,” said Hevi-Shot product manager Scott Turner. “Our original Hevi-Shot 12g/cc density tungsten shot stacked on top of precision steel pellets certainly makes for a powerful load. That leading layer of 12 g/cc density tungsten hits 53-percent harder than the steel layer.”

Two product design elements really combine to drive Hevi-Metal Xtreme's performance. The dense, 12 g/cc tungsten pellets are three shot sizes smaller than the steel pellets to ensure the two layers of different shot types have similar downrange performance. The Flightcontrol Flex wad, meanwhile, is a rear-braking wad designed to improve pattern density and consistency. It can be used with any steel-rated choke—ported or non-ported alike.

“We took our Pattern Density Technology one leap forward by utilizing the venerable Flitecontrol Flex wad,” continued Turner. “I think the Flightcontrol Flex wad is the magic ingredient that makes this load even more impressive. I am extremely confident that any hunter that tries it will agree.”

Hevi-Metal Xtreme consists of four total load options, which are: 12-gauge, 3-inch, 1-1/4-ounce at 1,450 fps (No. 4 tungsten and No. 1 steel); 12-gauge, 3-inch, 1-1/4-ounce at 1,450 fps (No. 6 tungsten and No. 3 steel); 20-gauge, 3-inch, 1-1/16-ounce at 1,350 fps (No. 4 tungsten and No. 1 steel); and 20-gauge, 3-inch, 1-1/16-ounce at 1,350 fps (No. 6 tungsten and No. 3 steel).

For more information on these new shotshells, available in 25-round boxes, check out hevishot.com. MSRP: $59.99

Latest

LEDEW H2026 08 Knowhow IMG 0478
LEDEW H2026 08 Knowhow IMG 0478

Rethinking Ragù: Venison Ragù Bianco

In Italy, ragù simply refers to a slow-cooked meat sauce. Bolognese—ragù alla Bolognese—is just one regional variation that originated in Bologna and traditionally incorporates tomatoes, wine, milk, and finely minced meat simmered low and slow until deeply rich and complex. But some of the most beautiful ragù dishes in Italy contain little or no tomato at all. This version uses axis deer simply because that’s what I happened to have in the freezer, but this sauce works beautifully with almost any species of venison.

USFWS Releases 2026 Waterfowl Population Survey Results

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) has released its 2026 Waterfowl Population Status Report. This report contains results from surveys and population estimation methods conducted by the USFWS, Canadian Wildlife Service and numerous state and provincial partners.

Planning a DIY Antelope Hunt

The tag is drawn. Now what? Here’s how to prepare for your first self-guided antelope hunt.

#SundayGunday: Leupold VX-5HD Gen 2

This #SundayGunday, with rifle seasons coming up across the country, we’re going to talk about an awesome rifle optic from Leupold: the VX-5HD.

Free Recipe Collection Celebrates Hi Mountain Seasonings’ 35th Anniversary

Hi Mountain Seasonings is celebrating its 35th anniversary with a new collection of wild game recipes designed to help hunters make the most of their harvest.

President Trump Defends Hunters and Thanks the NRA

In a historic day at the White House on September 17, President Donald Trump (R) signed an executive order to protect and enhance hunters’ part in the North American Wildlife Conservation Model.

Interests



Get the best of American Hunter delivered to your inbox.